I seldom travel by plane and do most of my traveling by motorhome so, the size, weight of my camera bags usually doesn't really matter. However, I am going on a ten-day trip to the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska and want/need a larger (carry-on legal) backpack than I have (I have the Lowepro Mini-Trekker) and that backpack must have wheels.

Since I so seldom use a large case to carry a bunch of equipment, I do not want to need to sell the farm in order to buy the pack. However, it still should be of reasonable quality and be able to survive a few trips as carry on luggage.

I plan on carrying 2 bodies (30D and350D with battery grip on the 350D), three lenses (17-55mm f/2.8 IS, 70-200mm f/4L IS and 300mm f/4L IS with 1.4x TC). I also plan on taking either my 420ex or 550ex flash (depending on which will fit) and the normal assortment of batteries, CF cards and other small accessories such as CPL filters.

This backpack with 44” total dimensions caught my eye because it seems to fit my criteria for maximum carry-on size of 45" total dimensions (height+width+depth). It is larger than the Mini-Trekker, but still carry-on legal, has wheels and is selling at a pretty inexpensive price.

Does anyone have experience with the Square Perfect SP1700

NEW ROLLING CAMERA CASE BACKPACK DIGITAL PHOTO VIDEO - eBay (item 270232112227 end time May-05-08 20:01:05 PDT)

I don't plan on filling the outside pockets during the flight because this would probably increase the size beyond carry-on limits.

If anyone knows of a similar case (preferably in the sub-$100 range) that might fit my criteria - I'd be happy to learn of it.

I would look at LowePro or Think Tank. If you are flying in to Anchorage and then driving down to the Kenai Peninsula, then you can get by with a larger case. If you are flying in to the Kenai Peninsula, then from Anchorage you will be getting on a twin otter with turbo props and will have to gate check your camera gear and therefore will need a smaller case. For this reason, get a good case, not a cheap case. Where are you going on the Kenai Peninsula for 10 days? I live on the Kenai Peninsula.

We are flying into Anchorage and have an SUV rental in which we (4 guys) will drive down onto the Kenai. We have five days booked in the middle of our trip at Marlows on the Kenai (Soldatna) for salmon/trout fishing.
We are anticipating that we will first drive from Anchorage down to the Homer area and spend a couple of days there prior to our stay at Marlows. After we complete the Marlows fishing, we anticipate spending a few days in the Seward area prior to driving back up to Anchorage and then flying home.
In addition to fishing, I want to do as much photography as I can without seriously boring my companions who are not photography oriented people. My first plans were to arrive several days prior to the group and have these days for serious photography. However, my son-in-law got such a good round trip fare, that we are all going together.
I want to get some shots of eagles and other birds, but eagles are my top priority. I'd like to get some bear pics but, I don't want to spend the $500-$600 for a day of specific bear viewing.
we have decided to ship our fishing tackle to Marlows at Soldatna and I might very well also ship my monopod.
I don't want to pay the price for a Think-tank rolling bag. If push comes to shove; I will use my Lowepro Mini Trekker and not buy another bag. It is a tiny bit tight for my cameras and 3 lenses but, I think that I can make do.
I have a Think Tank holster case in which I will bring with me. I often use two cameras - one with a shorter lens around my neck and one with the longer lens in the holster case.
I use a hand strap on the camera with the longer lens and it is pretty easy to reach into the bag and pull out the lens to either shoot hand held put on my tripod/monopod.

When are you coming? I can tell you where to find the Eagles and the Bears.

I have a think tank airport security and I LOVE it. It carries everything I want to have with me. It is the largest legal carryon size. I think it was ~$300 and you could ebay it later if you don't want it. It is a very good bag though. I wouldn't want a cheap bag for a lot of traveling

The LowePro Trekker line is excellent!

This is the one time I will be political and I won't do it again

Lowepro is a PETA partner and I won't support PETA partners. You can email me if you want more details. I do like the bags though. I have two of the backpack

Tamrac was REALLY nice to me when I was looking for a rolling bag and even gave us a nice laptop bag at PMA last year.

The think tank won out as it had all the space and things I wanted on it. I have the backpacks for short trips and I have the Think Tank for storing and traveling

Think Tank is owned by ex LowePro employees.

I specifically asked them if they supported PETA and they said no. I am all for animal welfare. Just not PETA and their sister org ALF.

I like Lowepro bags, I just can't support a company who financially supports PETA. Ex employees are fine as long as they aren't taking money I send them and donating to organizations I can't agree with http://www.petamall.org/PLPShop.asp?RecordID=269&pf=true

Julie,
Did you ask LowePro?

I wouldn't take PETA's word for anything. They have no credibility and have been cited numerous times for animal cruelity while trying to make their points to congress. If you look at their "Peta Business Friends" they have no mainstream company listed as sponsors including LowePro.